Emphasis Preaching Journal

When Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale debated one another on national television last fall, it was striking to see and hear how both held back from pressing hard with pet arguments all of us knew they cherished. It was clear both were considering their audiences. What "played well" in Atlanta might not do so well in Minneapolis. What you would say to women you might not say to longshoremen. To the elderly or to the upwardly mobile the messages may not be similar. Except on national television in prime time when you're debating.